May 3

Larry Gould’s Top 5 Golf Courses in South Africa

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May 3, 2013

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Larry Gould – Frenchman by birth, an Englishman by education and a South African by choice. And the man knows golf! His career in hospitality has allowed him access to some of the most spectacular courses in the world and as a previous GM of the Alphen Hotel, The Stellenbosch Hydro and Fancourt in George, he is a man we can trust to combine the love of golf with magnificent accommodation. Based on this meeting, we’re going to unveil you Top 5 Golf Courses in South Africa.

Top 5 Golf Courses in South Africa

Larry’s latest book, ‘The Larry Gould Guide to Golf in the Cape’, promotes South Africa  as one of the World’s great golfing destinations, incorporating his love for food, wine and the people of South Africa. Whilst standing in one of the stunning villas at La Clé des Montagnes where Larry assists his wife, Peggy, in the management of the boutique hotel – such a place deserves an article to its own as I was left speechless after my visit – Larry gave me a copy of his book addressed to my father and signed, “To the love of golf.”

I had to ask Larry to tell Rhino Africa his Top 5 Courses in South Africa, though his first answer is, “my favourite course is the next one I am going to play.” He says he is particularly fond of the designs in South Africa by Gary Player, Peter Matkovich and Jack Nicklaus. However, Larry’s friends point out that this may be due to his ability to play these particular courses especially well – a good reason I think!

1. Arabella Golf Course, Western Cape

As Larry’s home club and one considered to be the Cape’s greatest challenge, the Arabella had to feature in the Top 5. Created by Peter Matkovich, the course is classical and scenically spectacular, attracting international events such as the Nelson Mandela Invitational Tournament. On the shores of South Africa’s largest lagoon and close to the famous whale watching spot, Hermanus, the Arabella hotel is the perfect setting to unwind after a day on the course.

Arabella Golf Course with the hotel in the background
Arabella Golf Course with the hotel in the background, Image Credit: Arabella Golf Course

2. The Links at Fancourt, George

Larry describes this Gary Player creation as a “remarkable phenomenon in design, manicuring and challenge.” As an inland links-style challenge to test only the best golfers, visitors to the course are transported to a world more likely seen on the greens of Ireland and Scotland – but the Outeniqua Mountains and the far more favourable climate serve as a constant reminder of the beauty of South Africa.

The Links at Fancourt beautiful golf court, with the mountains on the backgrond
The Links at Fancourt beautiful golf court, with the mountains on the backgrond, Image Credit: Links, Fancourt.

3. St Francis Links, Eastern Cape

Larry attended the opening of this course nestled among the natural sand dunes when the designer, Jack Nicklaus, was asked if this was the best course he had designed. He replied, “I did not say that; I said it may be the best course I’ve ever seen. That’s different. That’s better than the best I’ve ever done.” I think that says it all.

St Francis Links golf court, with a lake and small cottages on the background
St Francis Links, Eastern Cape Golf Court, Image Credit: St Francis Links

4. The Gary Player Country Club, Sun City

One of the longest courses in South Africa, this course is a true challenge in Africa and home to the Nedbank Golf Challenge since 1981. With lightning fast putting surfaces and imaginatively placed bunkers, this course is ideal for the skilled professional. However, a clever design featuring multiple tees without compromising design allows novices a great day out on the course too.

Fancourt's three Gary Player-designed championship courses are a world-class experience for any golf enthusiast
Fancourt’s three championship courses designed by Gary Player are a world-class experience for any golf enthusiast, Photo credit: Fancourt

5. Leopard Creek, Mpumalanga

Gary Player and Johan Rupert joined forces to created this spectacular course on the border of the Kruger National Park – the perfect place to catch a round of golf in between game drives. Leopard Creek is an unobtrusive part of the environment and in only seven years of operation has been praised as the 2nd best golf course in South Africa.

Leopard Creek golf course in Mpumalanga
Leopard Creek golf course in Mpumalanga, Image Credit: Leopard Creek

Come plan your South African golf holiday in one of the top 5 golf courses in South Africa!

To plan your South African golf holiday, contact one of our expert travel consultants at Rhino Africa.

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About the author 

Matthew Sterne

Matt discovered a passion for writing in the six years he spent travelling abroad. He worked for a turtle sanctuary in Nicaragua, in an ice cream factory in Norway and on a camel safari in India. He was a door-to-door lightbulb-exchanger in Australia, a pub crawl guide in Amsterdam and a journalist in Colombia. Now, he writes and travels with us.

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